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Stephen Rees
Road Warrior

Stephen Rees

Cincinnati, OH, United States

Roadtrippers Business Development. Chicago native. Retired Hot Dog Guy.

September 30, 2014
Rated 3.0

A tried and true neighborhood bar. There are a ton of Irish pubs like this in the Chicagoland area, but like all the rest Molly Malone's is a great place for a corned beef sandwich, an Irish beer, and uncomfortably running into people you went to high school with when you're home during Thanksgiving.

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September 30, 2014
Rated 4.0

If you're looking for a blues venue in Chicago north of the Loop, head to B.L.U.E.S. Sure, it's somewhat gimmicky and it definitely caters to tourists, but that's what a blues club has to do to survive these days, even in Chicago. And it's a far more authentic experience that actually focuses on the music than the yuppie/fratstar/godawful trash you get when you step into Kingston Mines next door.

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September 30, 2014
Rated 4.0

I think all the hype surrounding Manny's is a little overblown, but it's still a great place and an absolute Chicago landmark. Plus the portions are freaking huge so you won't ever even dream of leaving hungry.

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September 30, 2014
Rated 4.0

One of Chicago's numerous classic hot dog stands. Sure, it's out in the suburbs, but this place knows what's up. Gene and Jude's isn't renowned for their Chicago-style dog quite so much as they are for their double dog, which comes wrapped in their own hand-cut fries. It's a great place to stop, especially on your way to or from O'Hare.

1 person found this review helpful
September 30, 2014
Rated 5.0

Johnnie's isn't just the best Italian Beef in the Chicagoland area. Johnnie's may possibly be the best place in the whole entire world. Go here.

What are you waiting for?

Go to Johnnie's as fast as humanly possible. Bring cash and wait in line outside. Order a "wet" Italian beef (dipped in juice). Get peppers if you want the full experience. And their fries. And their Italian ice, which is what I imagine the nectar of the gods tastes like if the gods were to turn their nectar into the most delectable confection of shorn ice that has ever graced Elmwood Park.

3 people found this review helpful
September 30, 2014
Rated 4.0

Al's is fine I guess, but come on, it's way overrated. If you REALLY want the world's greatest Italian Beef sandwich, go to Johnnie's in Elmwood Park.

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September 30, 2014
Rated 4.0

The Vic may not be the most aesthetically pleasing theaters in Chicago, but it certainly brings in some of the greatest musical acts to Chicago. A great place to see a show, but if you're going to a sellout be sure and arrive on the earlier side since the sightlines aren't great if you're standing behind too many people crowded together.

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September 30, 2014
Rated 5.0

There aren't any markings along Highway 89A notifying you about these roadside Cliff Dwellings, but you can't NOT pull over and check these out along your drive. The rock formations are totally cool, but the shelters freaking BUILT INTO the rocks are amazing. Don't be fooled by the Native American stands selling trinkets in the parking lot--these structures aren't old archaeological discoveries, but rather were built in the 1930s by travelers looking for a place to stay along the drive into the Grand Canyon.

1 person found this review helpful
September 30, 2014
Rated 5.0

The drive down Highway 89A through the Vermilion Cliffs is absolutely breathtaking. It's incredible to see the huge cliffs on your left and realize that you're in the bottom of a ginormous basin that stretches all the way to the cliffs on your right. The magnitude of this area just blows your mind.

2 people found this review helpful
September 30, 2014
Rated 4.0

Didn't get the chance to stay here overnight, but I did get to stop by on my way to the North Rim. Be sure and get one of their homemade cookies and/or one of their shakes--both are absolutely delicious!

2 people found this review helpful